Letter: Three suggestions for two-wheelers menacing walkers on pedestrian paths

Cyclists cross the Two Rivers Pedestrian Bridge with children in tow in a cart behind their bicycle in Little Rock, Ark. How safe is it for bicylists to ride on sidewalks?
(AP Photo/Danny Johnston)

AP2011

Derek Jones, Palm City

Letter: Three suggestions for two-wheelers menacing walkers on pedestrian paths

My new year's resolution was to try and lose weight. Nothing drastic, just introduce some exercise in the form of a daily power walk. Living in Palm City just off Murphy Road allowed me the use of a pedestrian footpath that flanks its southern edge.

To my understanding the term "pedestrian footpath" suggests a thoroughfare designed for people on foot. This being the case, why is it that almost every day I am being almost knocked over by cyclists hurtling by me?

Now, I am a reasonable kind of guy and appreciate that today's roads can be dangerous, especially for two-wheeled traffic; so I can share my "pedestrian footpath" with bicycles.

However; those involved in this wheeled traffic should understand that the right of way belongs to pedestrians. As such they should: 1) Slow down. 2) Give warning of their approach. 3) Quit being so rude to people doing what they have every right to do: walk on a pedestrian footpath.

The majority of these bicycles are of the mountain bike variety, which I assume means they were specifically designed to handle the extremes of moving from a path to the grass and back. Obviously I am mistaken, as with very few exceptions these mountain bikers refuse to yield either territory or velocity, thereby making my morning jaunt a walk of peril.

I am in my 70s, don't hear so well, don't see so well and walk with a veering step due to a balance issue. So, I ask that if you ride a mountain-type bike and insist on practicing for a speed trial, use the road or the park. If you really must use footpaths, give way to the folk who legitimately wend their ways along them.